Michigan
Environmental Report

Volume 22 . Number 5
October 2004

PURPOSE
Founded in 1980, MEC is a coalition of over 60 environmental, public health, and faith-based organizations with nearly 200,000 individual members.  For over 20 years, MEC has provided a voice at the State Capitol.  In addition to serving as a clearinghouse of environmental information, MEC develops public policy, educates elected officials and the public, and provides training and support to member organizations.

The Michigan Environmental Report is an official publication of the Michigan Environmental Council. Copyright 2004.

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OFFICERS

Chairperson
Chris Graham,
Michigan Natural Areas Council

Vice Chair 
 Vicki Levengood,
National Environmental Trust

Vice Chair 
Terry Miller,
Lone Tree Council

Treasurer   
Tom Leonard,
West Michigan Environmental Action Council

Secretary  
Brian Imus,
PIRGIM


MEC STAFF

President  
Lana Pollack

Policy Director 
James Clift

Associate Director 
Patrick Diehl

Land Programs Director 
Conan Smith

Special Projects Coodinator
Brad Garmon

Office Manager 
Judy Bearup

Member Services Director
Michele Scarborough

Policy Specialist
David Gard

Policy Advisor 
Dave Dempsey

Environmental Campaign Coordinator
 Wendi Tilden

ECCO Field Director
Stephanie Anderson

Land Programs Assistant 
Ben Stupka

MER Design & Layout 
Rose Homa




Dempsey tries state with only 10,000 lakes

By Patrick Diehl, MEC Associate Director

Dave Dempsey will hate this article.

Why? Maybe it's his extreme modesty. Perhaps it's his disdain for things that sound cheesy. But really, Dave is downright allergic to praise and recognition-to the point of refusing to show up at any party or event where anyone might be even remotely inclined to thank or congratulate him for something he's done. However, because he's giving up his full-time role at the Michigan Environmental Council and his influence on Michigan has been so great, we would be remiss if we didn't risk incurring his wrath by pointing out some of his accomplishments.

Dave's tendency to overachieve was evident in his academic success. He earned a Bachelor's degree from Western Michigan University in just three years and a Master's degree in resource development from Michigan State University while holding down a full-time job. More recently he's been an adjunct instructor at MSU in environmental policy and law. Active in Michigan environmental matters for more than two decades, Dave directed a smaller MEC in 1982 and '83 and then was tapped to be Governor Jim Blanchard's environmental advisor, where he helped:

  • promote the Great Lakes Charter;

  • create the Great Lakes Protection Fund;

  • write Michigan's first recycling policy; and

  • develop sand dune protection, environmental cleanup and outdoor recreation programs

Blanchard's surprising defeat in November 1990 led Dave back to the nonprofit sector. He joined the staff of Michigan Clean Water Action, then returned to MEC in 1994. Of course, his list of achievements continued to grow. He helped:

  • spur Michigan's first review of pollution standards to assure protection of children's health;

  • secure major state and federal funding to attack childhood lead poisoning; and

  • create the Mid-Michigan Environmental Action Council so people in Ingham, Eaton and Clinton Counties had an outlet for their environmental activism.
When he's not busy writing his next novel, Dave spends free time speaking to students and activists about environmental issues, participating in pro-environment rallies and events, and making presentations at workshops and conferences. He enjoys hiking, bird watching, swimming and touring the state, and claims special affection for our Great Lakes shoreline, sand dunes and forests. Add to this list of activities his frequent workouts at a local gym and his special relationship with a one-of-a-kind woman in Minnesota-where he will soon reside-and you wonder when the man has time to pick up his mail.

Longtime friend and colleague Lana Pollack is courageous enough to speak highly of him. "There's only one Dave Dempsey," she said. "His encyclopedic grasp of Great Lakes environmental matters makes him a singular professional resource for all of us working in this arena. Dave's commitment and integrity make him a cherished friend as well."

Pollack pointed out that Dave will remain connected to MEC in a consulting capacity. "I'm pleased that life will keep Dave close by and look forward to years of productive collaboration and good times together," she added.

I hope Dave isn't too angry with Lana for saying such things.
Years ago, Dave earned the affectionately-bestowed title of "The Wizard" from friends and colleagues for his almost intimidating intellectual capacity and extensive knowledge of history. Wizard, as you pursue love and opportunity in the Land of 10,000 Lakes, don't forget that you'll be missed very much by many in Michigan. So there.

Author! Author!

In case you didn't know, Dave loves to write. He's authored:

  • Ruin and Recovery: Michigan's Rise as a Conservation Leader (2001, University of Michigan Press*) and

  • On the Brink: The Great Lakes in the 21st Century (2004, Michigan State University Press).
And he's currently at work on his third book for MEC-a biography of Bill Milliken, Michigan's governor from 1969 to 1983, to be published next year.

The Detroit Free Press named Ruin and Recovery one of 2001's best books on Michigan topics.

Gifts from Dad

Dave had large shoes to fill. His father, the late John "Jack" Dempsey, was a top state official during the Milliken and Romney Administrations, so Dave's gifts may be hereditary. Regardless of their origin, he has used them well. A president of the United States and two Michigan governors have recognized his talent and expertise:

  • He was on Governor Jim Blanchard's executive staff from 1983 until 1989.

  • In 1994, President Bill Clinton appointed him to the Great Lakes Fishery Commission, where he served until 2001.

  • Governor Jennifer Granholm appointed him to the state Natural Resources Trust Fund Board in 2003.
He's also a board member for Buffalo-based Great Lakes United, which works to protect and restore the Great Lakes ecosystem, and the Chicago-based Delta Institute, a nonprofit working on sustainable development and environmental stewardship in the Great Lakes region.

 

Copyright 2004 Michigan Environmental Council